Can We Use Finger Monkeys As Pets?

If you want to pet finger monkeys or pygmy marmosets, then you should know these important things before you decide to take care of the tiniest monkey in the world.

Things to do Before Buying Finger Monkeys

Finger monkeys are classified as exotic animals, which may imply that there are some restrictions when it comes to bringing them home. If you plan on buying one, then make sure that the government of your state allows you to have such freedom or not.

Apparently, there are some states that allow persons to make them as home pets while other states require those interested individuals to get a permit, which basically gives them the permission to pet finger monkeys or pocket monkeys. However, there are states where strict laws are implemented to restrict people from getting these creatures or any monkey species, except on special circumstances.

States with No Restrictions

To live in these states have the freedom to take care of finger monkeys or other primates. They do not have to get legal permits to bring these animals home. Moreover, these states do not have laws when it comes to the possession of exotic primates.

– Alaska

– Nebraska

– North Carolina

– South Carolina

States Requiring Special Permits

These states require the interested pet lovers to obtain a special wild animal permit from their respective Department of Agriculture before purchasing a finger monkey or other animals, which may pose harm to others. However, applying for the legal document to pet finger monkeys may take a long process. Sometimes, there is no guarantee whether your application will be approved or not.

– Oklahoma

– Pennsylvania

– Rhode Island

States with Strict Laws

Finger monkeys or any kind of primate species are not allowed to become pets in these states no matter what the circumstances are. The only persons allowed to keep the tiny creatures are those who run an animal exhibit, a sanctuary or zoo. However, these facilities are still required to pass certain standards before they can have the animals in these states.

– New Jersey

– New York

Other Important Reminders

Even if you are living in a state where there are no restrictions to pet finger monkeys, you should take time to think of actually getting one. Pygmy marmosets or pocket monkeys can become very aggressive as they grow older. This is especially true if the tiny creatures are not provided with the appropriate environment they used to live in.

Their mental state should be constantly stimulated or they may be depressed, socially incapacitated or violent. Moreover, these monkeys stay more active in groups, so taking care of only one pygmy marmoset as a pet may not be recommended.

Food They Consume

When they are in the forest, finger monkeys consumer the gum or sap of trees and small insects like bugs and butterflies. But if you take care of them as pets , then you need to provide specialized diets so that they could survive very well. You can feed them with flower, fruits, nectar, vegetables, rice as well as small reptiles like lizards, which may cost around $35 to $75 every month.